Certified Nursing Assistant

Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain a solid foundation in human anatomy and physiology, enhancing their ability to understand the structure and function of the human body. They will develop essential skills in patient observation, enabling them to assess and monitor patient conditions effectively. The course will also cover the fundamental principles of patient care, emphasizing compassionate and competent service. Students will learn about patients' legal rights, including confidentiality and informed consent, and will gain proficiency in documenting and reporting patient information accurately. Additionally, they will become familiar with safety protocols designed to ensure the well-being of both patients and healthcare professionals.

CNA Course Description and Career Pathways

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) course prepares students to provide hands-on personal care in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living, home health, and hospice. This course meets both federal and Idaho state requirements for CNA training and consists of 88 hours of classroom and lab instruction, along with 32 hours of clinical experience under the guidance of a registered nurse (RN) instructor. Graduates of the program will have immediate employment opportunities and gain a strong foundation for pursuing careers in other healthcare fields, such as nursing, Radiologic technology, and surgical technology.

Who Should Attend?

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a crucial step for individuals seeking to work or advance in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other patient care environments.

This class requires verification that you are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. Eligibility must be verified before class starts.  Please contact us for a list of acceptable documentation or for any questions.

Enrollment Requirements for CNA Course:

In response to new industry requirements, students must complete the following steps before enrolling in the CNA course:

1. Create an Account with American DataBank
   • Purchase the CSI Tracking Package (12 months - $17)
   • Purchase the Background Check ($52 + additional county fees)
2. Immunization Requirements
   • TB Test, Flu Vaccine, and COVID Vaccine are required.
   • Exemption forms for the Flu and COVID vaccines are available through American DataBank.
   • Immunization records must be uploaded to American DataBank.
3. Drug Consent Form: Electronically sign the drug consent form through American DataBank.
4. 7+ Panel Drug Screen
   • Complete the drug screen at preferred Physician's Immediate Care Center.

Step-by-Step Admission Guide for CNA program admission provided here. 

After Completion

• Once all requirements are completed, HSHS staff will reach out to you with registration instructions using the email associated with your American DataBank Account account.

For further assistance, please contact the HSHS Office at 208-732-6700.

Additional Costs:

• Textbook: $50+ available via Taylor bookstore
• American DataBank-Complio Registration: $17
• Manual Skills Test: $65.00 per attempt
• Written Test: $50.00 per attempt
  • Test Registration Fee: $21 due at the time of registration
  • Testing Fee: $29 due at the time of testing

• Costs May Vary For:
  • Scrubs
  • Analog wristwatch with a second hand
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • 3-ring binder and pen
  • Drug Screen
  • Background check
  • TB test
  • Influenza vaccine
  • COVID vaccine

Certification and Exam Process:

Upon successful completion of the CNA course, students become eligible to take both the Manual Skills Test and the Written Skills Test, which are required for placement on the Idaho CNA Registry.

Manual Skills Test:
The Manual Skills Test consists of 5 to 7 randomly assigned procedures that students have learned during their training. This test usually takes about one hour to complete and is conducted with a partner. For the first 30 minutes, students perform the role of the CNA, and for the remaining 30 minutes, they assume the role of the patient. Immediate feedback is provided regarding whether the student has passed or failed the test. The test can be retaken up to three times.

Written Skills Test:
The Written Skills Test is typically scheduled bi-monthly at the CSI Testing Center in the Meyerhoffer Building. Registration is required in advance, and interested individuals can obtain registration information from the HSHS Front Office. This 90-minute test evaluates candidates' nursing assistant knowledge and is available in both written and oral formats in English. Like the Manual Skills Test, the Written Test may be retaken up to three times.

Idaho CNA Registry:
The Idaho Health & Welfare maintains a CNA Registry, where all CNAs are listed. To remain active on the Registry, individuals must be employed as nursing assistants at least once during each 2-year period. Renewal applications are mailed to nursing assistants before their certification expiration date, which is determined by the most recent or current employment date. If a CNA has been unemployed for more than two years, they will need to retake both the Manual Skills and Written Tests to regain active status on the Registry.

Explore Your Career Options

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• Explore Your Career Options

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